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Help me upgrade my Mac system?!

Hey everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my system, but don’t quite know where to start. Here’s the system:

McIntosh C2600 hybrid tube preamp
McIntosh MC152 autoformer SS amp
McIntosh MCT500 CD transport
Rega Planar 2 turntable
Sonus Faber Grand Piano Home floorstander speakers
AudioArt cables

The setup sounds great for well recorded vocals and even dance music, but it does lack a certain presence and “punch”, and liveliness for rock and pop music. Bass extension and overall presence and slam are not quite there either. My room is large, 16x30 with 20 foot ceilings.
What would you upgrade first? I don’t yet really want to go up to a bigger (heavier) SS Mac amp (462, 312) to save my aging back and due to current space concerns. I had an MC275 tube amp which I loved but it ran too hot for the room, especially in summer. Also bass definition and power was a bit lacking. I’m definitely open to tubes but need guidance from the experts.
Help! I’m considering the new Sonus Faber Olympica Nova series, or perhaps Vandersteen or Revel Performa F228. Perhaps an Audio Research SE type tube amp?


scottlawhome
maguiar102
83 posts
 
Scottlawhome,

I actually went to the an audio show this past weekend and heard the Olympica 2 Novas and they were outstanding. The base on these have really been improved quite a bit, in my opinion the entire line has been revamped.  I am a Grand Piano Home owner and I am familiar with the Sonus Faber.  Sonus Faber has a sound that is quite different to other speakers that draws you in.  I think you should start by upgrading your speakers because the Grand Pianos are nice but I do agree with you they lack that punch.  I really think you will fall hard for the Nova line, they are everything that drew you in about Sonus but in a much larger scale. This is a very well balanced speaker that you can hear for hours but they do rock when needed. I would also listen to the Nova 3 and 5, I really think they will blow you away.

Since you like the Sonus you really need to check out Verity Audio, Rockport and Joseph Audio. These are very similar sonically.   Good luck.....
pops
2,272 posts
 
I agree with the posters above about your SF.  But first, I would encourage you to start with your source and consider a Basis TT and Vector 4 tonearm.  Is your Ortofon a Cadenaz Red?  If so it is a nice match to the Vector tonearm.  

Thats where I would start and see how your 2600 phono section works with a top flight table before moving down the chain.  I hear you about the Mac’s - they are built like boulders - I get the aging back problem! 
maguiar102
83 posts
 
If you like Mac gear then why start there...  We all know that your weakest link are your speakers.  It is known that Mac and Sonus go hand in hand, this is why they are paired quite a bit.  I say get the right speakers for your gear and save your money, unless you want to eliminate your Mac all together.  Speakers are the most important part of your gear, they are front and center.  As an example what is the most important piece to a home theatre “center channel” if your center is a piece of caca..lol the rest does not matter.
maguiar102
83 posts
 
I had my Grand Pianos paired with Krell but I still did not get the punch I wanted out of them.  Mac gear is warm and they do pair nicely with Sonus Faber.
maguiar102
83 posts
 
If you are considering B&W you would have to spend a lot of money to get a good sound. In my opinion only, they are over rated. 

I also agree with glennewdick on the Klipsch Heritage line and yes the Revel would be another option. I actually like the Rockport’s over the Revel’s if that is the sound you are leaning towards.
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